American classic: How did Reagan use tariff to save the last American motorcycle

Author: Eli (9366 Posts - Original UHND Member)
Posted at 9:17 pm on Apr 3, 2025

manufacturer?

1. In 1980 Harley-Davidson faced near-bankruptcy situation because of competition from Japanese motorcycle manufacturers Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha.

2. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) concluded that Harley-Davidson was being harmed by Japanese import. Thr tariffs were only 4.4% then.

3. President Reagan took action on April 1, 1983 (Trump must copy that date from Reagan playbook 42 years later, but changed it to 4/2 for superstition reason . LOL), raised tarriff by a fucking 45% (4.4% to 49.4%).

4. Harley-Davidson used the time and breathing room provided by the tariffs to improve its quality, modernize its business practices, and introduce new products.

5. By 1987, Harley-Davidson became profitable again and fully recovered.

6. The tariff expired in 1988 when the company no longer felt it needed tarriff.


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